# Park Ji-hoon

Park Ji-hoon (Korean: 박지훈; born May 29, 1999) is a South Korean singer and actor. He was initially active as a child actor and advertisement model. Park rose to fame in early 2017 as the second-place winner of the second season of the reality competition series Produce 101. He is a former member of the show's resulting boy group Wanna One and has since been active as a solo artist and an actor.
Park began his solo career with his first fan-meet tour, and by releasing an EP, O'Clock, following the end of Wanna One's activities as a group. He also resumed his acting career and known for his roles in Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency (2019), Love Revolution (2020), At a Distance, Spring Is Green (2021), and Weak Hero Class 1 (2022). Park has remained active in variety and reality television shows and has also ventured into being a Radio DJ. He has also been the advertisement model for several brands across skincare, cosmetics, and food.

## Early life and education

Park Ji-hoon was born on May 29, 1999, in Masan Province in South Korea. Although he comes from Gyeongsang Province, Park has lived in Seoul since he was seven years old. He graduated from National Middle School of Traditional Arts, where he majored in musical theatre. Park majored in broadcasting arts at School of Performing Arts Seoul and graduated in January 2018. Park was accepted into Chung-Ang University's Department of Theater for 2018.

## Career
### Career beginnings

Park debuted as a child actor, participating in musicals like Peter Pan (2007–2009), The Harmonium in My Memory (2010), and Radio Star (2010–2011), and small stints in television dramas Jumong (2006–2007), The King and I (2007–2008), Kimchi Cheese Smile (2007–2008), Iljimae (2008), and more. Park also appeared in SS501's reality show SS501 SOS (2006), although his face was blurred out through the episodes. In 2007, he appeared in KM Idol War with Big Bang. During his childhood, he continued to be active in musical theatre, television broadcasts, and film, and also worked as an advertisement model.
Less active in the entertainment industry in his teen years, Park began training to become an idol singer under SM Entertainment and Fantagio. Due to a knee injury, he did not make it to the final line up of Fantagio's boy group Astro and subsequently transferred to Maroo Entertainment.

### 2017–2018: Produce 101 and Wanna One

In 2017, Park represented Maroo Entertainment in the second season of Produce 101. He experienced a sudden rise in popularity after going viral as "wink boy (ko: 윙크남)", after the introductory "It's Me (Pick Me)" stage on M Countdown, even before the show had started airing. Consequently, Park's participation in the survival show received extensive media attention to the extent that his self-made aegyo catchphrase "save you in my heart (ko: 내 마음 속에 저장)" trended on social media and was used by various companies for marketing purposes.
The phrase was later crowned as the best catchphrase of 2017 by KOCCA. Furthermore, Park received offers from various companies to become their advertisement model while the show was still being aired, and it was later revealed that Park had signed an exclusive contract with Maroo Entertainment before the show had started. He finished second, which made him a member of the project boy group Wanna One under YMC Entertainment. Wanna One disbanded on December 31, 2018, and officially completed activities after their sold out 4-day final concert series 'Therefore' that ran from January 24 to 27 at Gocheok Sky Dome.

### 2019: Solo debut, first Asian tour, and return to acting

After Wanna One's disbandment on December 31, 2018, Park Jihoon started his solo career with Maroo Entertainment and he held his first ever fanmeeting 'PARK JIHOON 2019 ASIA FAN MEETING [FIRST EDITION]' on February 9 at Kyunghee University Grand Peace Palace in Seoul, followed by fanmeets in Taipei (March 2), Thailand (March 9), Philippines (March 15), Hong Kong (March 23), Macau (March 30) and Japan (April 10).
On March 26, Park released his debut EP as a soloist, O'Clock, with the lead single "L.O.V.E". Park Jihoon took his first-ever solo music show win with his debut album "L.O.V.E" on KBS Music Bank on April 5, 2019. The same month, Park was cast in JTBC's historical drama Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency, which was aired on September 16. Park received praise for his great acting skills and got many positive reviews for his first drama since the start of his career as a soloist. Park Jihoon, topping the list, ranked No. 1 in drama cast hot topic for 8 consecutive weeks (Good Data – Drama Actors Category and Racoi ranking) on his Flower Crew drama airing (2 months).
In December 2019, Park Jihoon kicked off his solo fan-meeting tour, titled "FANCON ASIA TOUR". Beginning in South Korea, the tour was set to span cities in several countries including Seoul, Hyogo & Tokyo, Macau, Bangkok, Taipei and Jakarta.
On December 4, Park released his second EP, 360, and its lead single of the same name.

### 2020: Love Revolution, first studio album, and first solo concert

Park returned with his third EP, The W, with the title track "Wing", on May 26. Park Jihoon made several appearances on radio shows for his 'The W' promotion including Cool FM KBS Radio Show, SBS Cultwo Radio Show, Noon Hope Radio Show and Sung Woon Late Night Radio Show.
Park Jihoon took his first lead role in the Kakao M's web drama Love Revolution, an adaptation of the popular webtoon of the same name. The drama aired from September 1 to December 27, 2020. The first episode of Love Revolution surpassed a million views in one day on KakaoTV and was No. 1 on the Top 10 weekly videos. The first five episodes have also achieved the million milestone. Park's popularity rose with viewers and critics praising his acting skills. The song "Midnight" was recorded and released by Park Jihoon as part of the drama's soundtrack.
On November 4, Park released his first studio album, Message, with the title track "Gotcha".
Park Jihoon held his first ever online solo concert titled "Message" on December 13.

### 2021–2022: Continued acting and singing activities, and Weak Hero: Class One

Park starred in the lead role of the KBS college drama At a Distance, Spring is Green which aired from June 14 thru July 2021.
On August 12, Park released his fourth EP My Collection, with the title track "Gallery".
On October 28, Park released his fifth EP Hot&Cold, with the title track "Serious".
On June 26, Park held '2022 Park Ji-hoon Special Fanmeeting in Thailand', a fanmeeting in Thailand, and his first in three years. In July 2022, Park announced that he would be holding '2022 Park Ji-hoon Special Fan Meeting in Japan' on August 18 and 20 in Tokyo and Kobe Japan.
In August 2022, it was announced that Park would be making a comeback with his sixth EP The Answer with the title track "Nitro" on October 12, 2022. On September 30, he pre-released a b-side called "Moon & Back".
On October 9 and 10, Park held a two-day concert called '[CLUE]' at the YES24 Live Hall.
Park starred in the lead role of the wavve k-drama Weak Hero Class 1 which premiered on November 18. Before its premiere, the first three episodes of the drama were screened at the 27th Busan International Film Festival where it sold out in two minutes, leading to additional screenings. The drama became an overnight hit immediately becoming wavve's #1 drama in paid subscribers within the first day. Weak Hero was a critical as well as a commercial success garnering a 9.9 rating overseas and glowing reviews from critics. It also ranked #1 on the OTT integrated search and recommendation site Kinolights. Park received overwhelming praise from both critics and online communities for his portrayal of Yeon Si-eun, with some of his highlight scenes going viral on various social media sites such as Tik-Tok and Twitter.
The role has been called a "rediscovery of Park Ji-hoon" as the idol singer's cute and bubbly image was nowhere to be found in his performance. When asked about the casting of Park, creative director Han Jun-hee revealed that shortcake (the production company) CEO Lee Myung-jin originally suggested the idol actor for the role after being amazed with his performance in At a Distance, Spring Is Green. After reviewing his older work and interviews, he was convinced and the suggestion was passed along to director Yu Su-min.
On December 9, it was announced that Park would star alongside veteran actress Kim Jung-nan in his first movie, Audrey. It was expected for release in 2024.

### 2023–present: Blank or Black and new beginnings

On March 23, 2023, it was announced that Park would be making a comeback with his seventh EP Blank or Black with the title track "Blank Effect" on April 12.
In January 2024, Park's leading drama, "Love Song for Illusion", was released with Park portraying dual roles.
On August 5, 2024, Park signed an exclusive contract with YY Entertainment for his future activities.

## Discography
### Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and sales :
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
| Title | Album details | KOR | Sales |
| Message | Released: November 4, 2020 Label: Maroo Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing Waterfalls (Intro) Gotcha Hit It Off (prod. and feat. Penomeco) Rolling 50–50 (feat. EB) Dress Code (feat. Punchnello) Whisper (굇속만) Tomorrow Scenario (시나리오) (feat. Sweden Laundry) MayDay | 9 | KOR: 79,461 |

### Extended plays

List of extended plays, with selected chart positions and sales :
| Title | EP details | Peak chart positions | Sales |
| Title | EP details | KOR | Sales |
| O'Clock | Released: March 26, 2019 Label: Maroo Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing The Beginning of... Us L.O.V.E Would You... Moon Young 20 (Prod. Lee Dae-hwi) | 2 | KOR: 109,428 |
| 360 | Released: December 4, 2019 Label: Maroo Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing I Am 360 Whistle Hurricane Casiopea (낯별) Still Love U Strange (이상해) | 2 | KOR: 103,392 |
| The W | Released: May 26, 2020 Label: Maroo Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing On The Rise Wing Frequency (주파수) Driving Paradise Let's Love | 5 | KOR: 85,760 |
| My Collection | Released: August 12, 2021 Label: Maroo Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing Present on the Stage (Intro) Gallery Lost (feat. lIlBOI) Strawberry I Wonder Remember (파도에게) | 4 | KOR: 55,707 |
| Hot&Cold | Released: October 28, 2021 Label: Maroo Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing Escalator (Intro) Serious Want! Cheese Love Glass All Yours | 8 | KOR: 42,713 |
| The Answer | Released: October 12, 2022 Label: Maroo Entertainment Formats: CD, digital download, streaming Track listing "Silence" "Nitro" "Moon & Back" "Frame" "Don't Tell Anyone" "Midnight" | 17 | KOR: 50,090 |
| Blank or Black | Released: April 12, 2023 Label: Maroo Entertainment, NHN Formats: CD, digital download, streaming | 7 | KOR: 47,171 |

### Singles
#### As lead artist

List of singles, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name :
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
| Title | Year | KOR | Album |
| "L.O.V.E" | 2019 | 59 | O'Clock |
| "360" | 2019 | 138 | 360 |
| "Wing" | 2020 | 109 | The W |
| "Gotcha" | 2020 | 102 | Message |
| "Gallery" | 2021 | 128 | My Collection |
| "Serious" | 2021 | 121 | Hot&Cold |
| "Nitro" | 2022 | — | The Answer |
| "Blank Effect" | 2023 | — | Blank or Black |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. ||||

#### Other releases

List of other releases, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name :
| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
| Title | Year | KOR | Album |
| As featured artist ||||
| "Don't Forget" (잊지마요) (Ha Sung-woon featuring Park Ji-hoon) | 2019 | 34 | My Moment |
| Promotional singles ||||
| "Call U Up" (featuring Lee Hi) | 2021 | — | Non-album single |
| Soundtrack appearances ||||
| "Midnight" (잡아줄게) | 2020 | — | Love Revolution OST |
| "Talk To Me" (말만 해) | 2021 | — | At a Distance, Spring Is Green OST |
| "—" denotes releases that did not chart or were not released in that region. ||||

### Music videos

| Title | Year | Director(s) |
| "L.O.V.E" | 2019 | Hong Won-ki, Huh Jin-hyun (Zanybros) |
| "360" | 2019 | "Yoo Sung-kyun (SUNNYVISUAL) |
| "Wing" | 2020 | "Yoo Sung-kyun (SUNNYVISUAL) |
| "Gotcha" | 2020 | "Yoo Sung-kyun (SUNNYVISUAL) |
| "Hit it Off" (Prod. & Featuring Penomeco) | 2020 | "Yoo Sung-kyun (SUNNYVISUAL) |
| "Gallery" | 2021 | "Yoo Sung-kyun (SUNNYVISUAL) |
| "Serious" | 2021 | Zanybros |
| "Moon & Back" | 2022 | Zanybros |
| "Nitro" | 2022 | Zanybros |
| "Blank Effect" | 2023 | Zanybros |

## Filmography
### Film

| Year | Title | Role | Ref. |
| 2024 | Audrey | Kang Ki-hoon | |

### Television series

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2006–2007 | Jumong | | |
| 2007 | The Stories of One Thousand People | Lee Dong-gyu | Cameo (episode 20) |
| 2007–2008 | Kimchi Cheese Smile | | |
| 2007–2008 | The King and I | Eunuch | |
| 2008 | Iljimae | Villager's son | |
| 2011 | The Unlimited Show | Kang Jae-min | Cameo (episodes 10–11) |
| 2019 | Flower Crew: Joseon Marriage Agency | Go Young-soo | |
| 2021 | At a Distance, Spring Is Green | Yeo Jun | |
| 2024 | Love Song for Illusion | Sajo Hyun / Ak-hee | |

### Web series

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2020 | Love Revolution | Gong Joo-young | |
| 2022 | Remarriage & Desires | Choi Yoo-seon's customers | Special appearance |
| 2022 | Weak Hero Class 1 | Yeon Si-eun | |

### Television shows

| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
| 2017 | Produce 101 (Season 2) | Contestant | Finished second place |
| 2019 | Inkigayo | Special MC | Episode 1,014 |
| 2019 | Show! Music Core | Special MC | Episode 658, 718 |
| 2022 | Seven Stars | Mentor | Thai audition program |
| 2022 | King of Mask Singer | Judge | |

### Radio shows

| Year | Title | Role | Notes | Ref. |
| 2021–2022 | Park Ji-hoon's Stay Night | DJ | 2021–October 18, 2022 | |

## Theatre

* Peter Pan (2007–2009)
* The Harmonium in My Memory (2010)
* Radio Star (2010–2011)
* A Midsummer Night's Dream (2014)

## Other ventures
### Endorsements and promotions

In April 2018, Park was appointed for his first ever solo endorsement deal as a model for April Skin. He would endorse their Milk Booster Fast Shampoo as well as a collection of hair-dyes. A special event was held where customers would receive an exclusive bromide when purchasing April Skin hair products over 15,000 won. Park along with fellow Wanna One member Ong Seong-wu was selected as a model for CLAVIS and their line of sports bracelets on April 20.
In March 2019, the seaweed snack brand Masita revealed Park as the new ambassador for their new "0% MSG" recipe that came in five different flavors. The same month, Park and fellow former Wanna One member Bae Jin-young were selected as the new advertising models for youth make-up brand, I'M MEME. In May, it was announced that Park had been selected as the new exclusive model for pizza specialty brand, Pizza E-Tang. He would promote their new pizza flavor, Shinsegae Pizza 2. He would also film his first solo commercial. The promotion was a success with the pizza consistently selling out. On May 3, Yuyu Nature selected Park as an exclusive model for their flagship health supplement, Formoline L112.
In June 2020, Park had his first apparel collaboration with contemporary fashion brand [LE] MOHO. The collection was named "[LA] POMME de Universe" in which Park participated in the design. To emphasize Park's mysteriousness, the collection's image was of infinity in the universe and also featured a green apple to reflect the refreshing image of a young man in his twenties. A portion of the sales of this project was donated to charities and organizations participating in the fight against COVID-19. In October, Park collaborated with Tous on the 'Toss Love Me' perfume that was made to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the brand's founding. 'Toss Love Me' became a bestseller and sold out at the Olive Young Myeong-dong Store where it was carried domestically.
On August 18, 2021, it was announced that Park had been selected as an exclusive model for the Korean skincare and cosmetics brand, It's Skin. He would model for them both domestically and overseas in Japan and Southeast Asia.

## Awards and nominations

Name of the award ceremony, year presented, nominated work, category and the result of the nomination :
| Award ceremony | Year | Nominated work | Category | Result |
| APAN Music Awards | 2020 | Park Ji-hoon | Entertainer Award (Man) | Won |
| APAN Music Awards | 2020 | Park Ji-hoon | Best Solo for Man (Global) | Nominated |
| Asia Artist Awards | 2019 | Park Ji-hoon | StarNews Popularity Award | Nominated |
| Asia Artist Awards | 2020 | Park Ji-hoon | Male Popularity Award | Nominated |
| Asia Artist Awards | 2021 | Park Ji-hoon | Male Solo Singer Popularity Award | Nominated |
| Asia Contents Awards & Global OTT Awards | 2023 | Weak Hero Class 1 | Best Newcomer Actor | Nominated |
| Asia Model Awards | 2019 | Park Ji-hoon | Asia Star Award (Singers) | Won |
| Blue Dragon Series Awards | 2023 | Weak Hero Class 1 | Best New Actor | Won |
| Golden Disc Awards | 2019 | Park Ji-hoon | Album Bonsang | Nominated |
| Golden Disc Awards | 2019 | Park Ji-hoon | Popularity Award | Nominated |
| Golden Disc Awards | 2019 | Park Ji-hoon | Rookie of the Year | Nominated |
| KBS Drama Awards | 2021 | At a Distance, Spring Is Green | Best New Actor | Nominated |
| KBS Drama Awards | 2024 | Love Song for Illusion | Excellence Award: Best Actor in a Mini Series | Won |
| Korea Drama Awards | 2023 | Weak Hero Class 1 | Best New Actor | Won |
| Korea First Brand Awards | 2021 | Park Ji-hoon | Best Idol Actor | Won |
| Korea First Brand Awards | 2022 | Park Ji-hoon | Acting idol (Male) | Won |
| Korea First Brand Awards | 2025 | Park Ji-hoon | Acting idol (Male) | Won |
| Seoul Music Awards | 2019 | Park Ji-hoon | Dance Performance Award | Nominated |
| Seoul Music Awards | 2019 | Park Ji-hoon | K-Wave Award | Nominated |
| Seoul Music Awards | 2019 | Park Ji-hoon | Popularity Award | Nominated |
| Soribada Best K-Music Awards | 2019 | Park Ji-hoon | Bonsang Award | Won |
| Soribada Best K-Music Awards | 2019 | Park Ji-hoon | Male Popularity Award | Nominated |
| Soribada Best K-Music Awards | 2019 | Park Ji-hoon | The New K-wave Icon Award | Won |
| Soribada Best K-Music Awards | 2020 | Park Ji-hoon | Bonsang Award | Nominated |
| Soribada Best K-Music Awards | 2020 | Park Ji-hoon | Male Popularity Award | Nominated |
| Soribada Best K-Music Awards | 2020 | Park Ji-hoon | Global Artist Award | Nominated |
| Seoul Global Movie Awards | 2024 | Beautiful Audrey | Best New Actor | Won |
| Seoul International Film Awards | 2024 | Beautiful Audrey | Best New Male Actor | Won |
| Seoul Music Awards | 2020 | Park Ji-hoon | Fan PD Artist Award | Nominated |
| Seoul Music Awards | 2020 | Park Ji-hoon | Main Award | Nominated |
| Seoul Music Awards | 2020 | Park Ji-hoon | Popularity Award | Nominated |
| Seoul Music Awards | 2020 | Park Ji-hoon | K-Wave Popularity Award | Nominated |